Forms a tall columnar plant, composed of strong stems handsomely clothed in large pointed green leaves, topped, in midsummer with widely branched heads of small creamy-white flowers. Makes an important statement above lower plants, such as hostas, dicentras, ferns and ajugas. By September the flower heads become stained bronze-pink and green. For deep rich soil, sun or part shade, sheltered from wind. Synonym P. polymorpha, P. alpina.